The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed today’s announcement that Defra will consult on further steps to help tackle bovine TB as part of the Government’s strategy to beat the disease.
Defra will consult on the following proposals:
Introducing compulsory testing for all cattle entering low-risk areas, such as the north and east of England
Changes to the criteria for future badger control licences such as reducing the minimum area for a licence
Controlling TB in non-bovine animals such as pigs, goats, and deer.
John Blackwell, BVA President and cattle vet, said:
“BVA has always argued that to control and eradicate bovine TB we need a comprehensive suite of measures that tackles all sources of infection. In particular we welcome any proposals to extend and strengthen the tools we use to tackle bovine TB, such as improved surveillance and further cattle controls to halt the spread of TB northwards and eastwards. We also support greater attention being given to how the disease is spreading into non-bovines, such as pigs, goats and deer.
“On changes to the criteria for future badger control we will need to fully consider the evidence base for reducing the minimum area for a licence, given that the current criteria build on the Randomised Badger Culling Trial.
“We will consult our members on all of the proposed measures and continue to work with farmers and the government to control and eradicate bovine TB.”
